In Wake of Orlando Shooting, Baldwin Cosponsors Legislation Banning Those Convicted of Hate Crimes From Owning Guns
"Following the horrific tragedy in Orlando, we must come to terms with the fact that thoughts and prayers are not enough."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced she has joined Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) as a cosponsor of legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of those who commit criminal acts based on hate. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act would prohibit the purchase, possession or shipment of a firearm by anyone convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime or who received a hate crime sentence enhancement, and prohibit the sale of firearms to anyone reasonably suspected to be guilty of a misdemeanor hate crime.
“Following the horrific tragedy in Orlando, we must come to terms with the fact that thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action,” said Senator Baldwin. “We should prevent people that have been convicted of a hate crime from purchasing or possessing firearms. This is common sense and it will help us save lives.
This legislation comes as known hate groups are growing in the United States. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), 892 hate groups are currently operating in the United States, up 14 percent since 2014 and almost 33 percent since 2000. According to National Crime Victimization Survey data, an average of about 259,000 hate crimes happen each year, and between 2010 and 2014 alone, more than 43,000 hate crimes were committed with a firearm.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Senator Baldwin’s Reforms Pass Senate with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
Sep 18th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinOpioid crisis response legislation includes support for local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts; Prevents the flow of illegal fentanyl and opioids from other countries; Provides more resources for growing meth problem in Wisconsin
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Gets the Job Done for Wisconsin Shipbuilding in Bipartisan Defense Spending Bill
Sep 17th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinThree Littoral Combat Ships Funded in Bipartisan legislation
Bipartisan Senate Opioids Response Legislation Includes Senator Baldwin’s Reforms
Sep 12th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinPrevent the flow of illegal fentanyl and opioids from other countries. Support for local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. More resources for growing meth problem in Wisconsin
